Inzaghi edges out Seedorf at Milan

The change that had been expected for some time finally arrived on Monday as AC Milan confirmed that Clarence Seedorf had been removed as coach after only half a season in Serie A.

Taking his place in the dugout for the Rossoneri is Pippo Inzaghi, who has had a great deal of success in charge of the club's youth side since retiring from playing in 2012.

The perennially offside former striker found himself on the right side of Adriano Galliani this time as he edged out his old team-mate.

Tuesday, 10 June 2014 12:26

Tweet Follow @omomani

GoalToons: World Cup moments

Get animated by watching the heroes, villains and highlights of previous tournaments as you have never seen them before. Eight episodes on World Cup greatest nations. The videos are available in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese, Portuguese and Arabic.

GoalToons: Brazil

GoalToons: Italy

GoalToons: Germany

GoalToons: Argentina

GoalToons: England

GoalToons: France

GoalToons: Spain

GoalToons: Netherlands

GoalToons credits:

Animation Director: Omar Momani

Animation: Sameer Aburezeq

Animation Assitant: Bassem Nabil

Narration on Germany, England and Netherlands: Mike V. Derderian

Tweet Follow @omomani

Napoli scoff at Arsenal's Insigne interest

Clubs are always looking to drive a hard bargain, but it seems Arsenal have pushed their luck already this summer.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has scoffed at the Gunners’ supposed interest in Italy winger Lorenzo Insigne and suggested there is no chance of signing the 23-year-old for a cut-price fee.

“Arsenal offer 20 million for Insigne? This makes me laugh. I want to make Insigne rise to a value of 60-70 million,” De Laurentiis told Repubblica.

Monday, 9 June 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

France suffer Ribery blow

France have been dealt a major blow to their World Cup hopes after Franck Ribery was ruled out with a back injury.

"He is not capable of training for a few weeks, let alone playing a game," said Didier Deschamps.

But despite the absence of the Bayern Munich attack, the France boss is still not inclined to call up Manchester City’s Samir Nasri.

Saturday, 7 June 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

World Cup party about to get started

With the dust having settled on most nation's World Cup warm-up friendlies, attentions can now be turned to the main event with the World Cup just four days away.

England concluded their preparations in a feisty encounter against Honduras and can next be seen taking on Italy in Manaus on Saturday, while hosts Brazil kick off the tournament on Thusday.

The Three Lions flew from Miami to Rio de Janeiro straight after their 0-0 draw, while plenty of other sides, including the likes of Germany, have finally touched down in Brazil.

Sunday, 8 June 2014 12:45

Tweet Follow @omomani

Scholes orders Welbeck to shackle Pirlo

Much like Euro 2012, Andrea Pirlo could prove to be the thorn in England’s side when Roy Hodgson’s charges face Italy in their World Cup opener.

But Paul Scholes has a plan to keep the midfield maestro quiet.

"For Manaus, we need an English Park Ji-Sung - one England player designated to man-mark him. Looking at the squad,” the former Manchester United star told Paddy Power.

“Danny Welbeck (a good defender who can nick the ball well) could be an option and would be a bold decision, one which gives England a creative outlet and saddles Pirlo with defensive work."

All the best, Danny.

Friday, 6 June 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Injuries pile up ahead of World Cup

Injuries have already made their mark on the World Cup with the likes of Victor Valdes, Kevin Strootman and Theo Walcott all failing to make the tournament long before its even begun.

And the injuries continue to pile up.

Italy have been dealt a blow as midfielder Riccardo Montolivo will miss out with a broken leg, while there were scares during Wednesday’s friendlies for Robin van Persie and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Thursday, 5 June 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Scolari fumes at sub-par show in Brazil training

It's back to the drawing board for Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari after Sunday’s training session did not turn out as well as he had hoped.

"I did not like the training, I did not like anything, all wrong," the 65-year-old told Globo TV.

"When I do not like something I have to find a solution, put it on the field, until I'm satisfied."

You’ve only got eight days left to get it right, Luiz.

Tuesday, 3 June 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Lampard calls time on Chelsea career

After 13 years at Chelsea which included winning three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League, Frank Lampard will be looking for a new club this summer.

Reports suggest that no less than 16 sides are keen on a move for the 35-year-old, who has admitted that a switch to MLS is an option.

"I'm looking at different options but I want to carry on playing,” said the midfielder.

"I'd like to get it sorted soon, not in World Cup time, but after that. I'm not sure it's possible to do now.

"I can go into the World Cup with a clear head. I can handle it. It's a weight off my shoulders to a certain extent.

"I'm a big enough boy to get on and concentrate fully on this World Cup with England."

Wednesday, 4 June 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

England touchdown in Miami

England have landed in Miami as they continue their preparations for this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

The Three Lions take on Ecuador and Honduras in friendlies on Wednesday and Saturday respectively at the Sun Life Stadium, with plenty of places still up for grabs in Roy Hodgson's team.

The players will need to adapt to the conditions in Florida quickly, with the temperatures even hotter and more humid in Manaus, where England take on Italy in their opening game.

Monday, 2 June 2014 12:05

Tweet Follow @omomani

Van Persie prepares for Van Gaal's walk of fire

Much has been made of Robin van Persie's strong relationship with Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal, and he recently admitted he would walk on fire for the incoming Manchester United boss.

He probably wouldn't considering his injury record, but it's nice to know.

Sunday, 1 June 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Sturridge, not Rooney, to lead England to glory?

England strikers Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge had wildly contrasting evenings as the Three Lions laboured to a 3-0 victory over minnows Peru at Wembley on Friday night.

In a match of few chances for the hosts, Sturridge scored a stunning individual effort, curling a rasping effort beyond the reach of Raul Fernandez, which set up an ultimately routine win.

But Rooney had an match to forget which threw into doubt his reputation as the side's talisman andled to calls for Sturridge, fresh from netting 21 Premier League goals last term, to lead the England attack at the World Cup, not Rooney.

Saturday, May 31, 2014 11:45

Tweet Follow @omomani

Del Bosque praying for Diego Costa recovery

Spain boss Vicente del Bosque is praying striker Diego Costa can overcome injury in time to take part in the World Cup, and has even delayed the announcement of his 23-man squad as he sweats on the Atletico Madrid forward's fitness.

The Brazilian-born attacker had a disrupted end to the season with Atleti, with a string of injury problems hampering his involvement in the run-in. He lasted just 16 minutes in the Liga title-decider against Barcelona and was withdrawn after only nine minutes in the Champions League final.

"I'm not sure Costa will make it," Del Bosque told reporters on Thursday. "We've still got time but now it's in the hands of the doctors and the medical team. We have to be cautious."

Costa was the subject of great controversy when he swapped Brazil, the country of his birth, for Spain back in March, despite having already appeared in two friendlies for the Selecao. His continued injury problems mean he could miss out on the chance to ruin the hosts' World Cup party.

Friday, May 30, 2014 12:30

Tweet Follow @omomani

The Real deal: Messi left in Ronaldo shadow

Having already watched Cristiano Ronaldo pick up the Ballon d'Or this year, as well as Copa del Rey and Champions League winners' medals, now Lionel Messi has yet another reason to envy the Real Madrid attacker.

According to global sports marketing research group Repucom, it is the Portugal star, not the Barcelona man, who is the most marketable footballer in the world.

The former Manchester United winger has over 82 million Facebook likes, 26m Twitter followers and is "an endorser's dream", all of which means Messi must settle for second place behind Ronaldo - and not for the first time this season!

Thursday, May 29, 2014 11:30

Tweet Follow @omomani

Yaya flirts with spurned PSG boss Blanc

Paris Saint-Germain had a curious Monday, with target Eden Hazard playing down a return to France while, simultaneously, another Premier League superstar opened the door to a move.

Chelsea attacker Hazard, singled out as a player of interest to PSG by manager Laurent Blanc, all but dismissed speculation that he could move to Paris, saying he takes no notice of transfer gossip.

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure, though, was less dismissive and openly welcome a move to the Ligue 1 champions.

"How can you not be interested in a club like that?" the Ivorian mused to France Football. "It'd be an honour to be part of such a club one day... if I can be of use."

So while PSG may have been spurned by Hazard, they can at least take solace from Toure's revelation that he would love to move to the Parc des Princes.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014 11:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

De Rossi not afraid of 'monsters' Messi & Ronaldo

Daniele De Rossi is well known for his fearless leadership in the Roma and Italy midfields and insists not even the prospect of facing two "monsters" at the World Cup will keep him up at night.

The 30-year-old has never faced Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at the tournament finals, but that could change this summer in Brazil. "Maybe I will have the chance to take on these monsters this year!" he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

Monday, 26 May 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Real Madrid claim La Decima

Real Madrid finally claimed La Decima with a 4-1 win over Atletico Madrid in Lisbon.

Diego Simeone’s men came within a whisker of denying their city rivals Champions League glory with Real needing a 93rd minute header from Sergio Ramos to take the game into extra-time.

Los Blancos then ran away with the game in the second period with Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo sealing a 4-1 victory and a 10th European Cup.

Sunday, 25 May 2014 10:34

Tweet Follow @omomani

Youthful Pochettino emerges as Spurs' No.1 target

With Tim Sherwood has been a dead man walking practically since he took over at Tottenham, the north London club have been actively seeking a new manager throughout much of 2014 and may finally have found their man.

After talks with the legendary Louis van Gaal, who moved to Manchester United, and rumored interest in Napoli boss Rafa Benitez, it is perhaps a surprising candidate who has become the frontrunner for the White Hart Lane hot-seat: Mauricio Pochettino.

Spurs are set to officially announce the Argentine's appointment this week after he beat off all other, more experienced competition. The north Londoners had sounded out Benitez, as well as Ajax's Frank de Boer, but were most impressed by Pochettino, who will be handed a £3million-a-year deal.

Tuesday, 27 May 2014 11:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Ronaldo back in Lisbon for Decima dream

Saturday night marks Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Lisbon for Real Madrid's Champions League showdown against Atletico Madrid.

The Portuguese superstar's career trajectory has seemingly been waiting for this moment as Madrid home in on their 10th European Cup triumph and the Estadio da Luz can expect to see the 28-year-old at the peak of his powers.

He is considered 100 per cent fit for the final meaning it is just a matter of whether one of football's ultimate big-game players turns up on the night.

Saturday, 24 May 2014 12:10

Tweet Follow @omomani

Injured Suarez in race to be fit for World Cup

Uruguay face an anxious wait after Luis Suarez underwent surgery on his knee on Thursday. The Liverpool forward now faces a race against time to return to full fitness before La Celeste kick off their campaign in Brazil.

Placed in England's group, there will be plenty of Three Lions fans hoping the 27-year-old returns at slightly below par. Nobody wants to see one of the world's best players miss a World Cup but...you know.

Still, Suarez has until June 14 to prove his fitness to Oscar Tabarez and join the likes of Edinson Cavani and Diego Forlan at the head of Uruguay's attack.

Friday, 23 May 2014 12:46

Tweet Follow @omomani

Eto'o hits back at 'puppet' Mourinho

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has been on the receiving end of another verbal blow from Samuel Eto'o, as the Cameroon international attacked suggestions he was too old for top-level football andlabelled the Portuguese coach a "puppet".

In an outburst that suggests Eto'o is unlikely to be extending his stay at Stamford Bridge, the 33-year-old insisted he was still physically fit and eyeing appearances at another two World Cups despite Mourinho's disparaging claims to the contrary.

Eto'o's latest stinging comment comes after he dubbed the former Real Madrid manager a "fool" for decrying his age - and even suggesting he is older than he claims to be - as the pair continue to slug it out in public.

Thursday, 22 May 2014 16:50

Tweet Follow @omomani

Birthday snub upsets Yaya Toure

Yaya Toure turned 31 a week ago on Tuesday - news, apparently, to Manchester City, who were told in no uncertain terms by the Ivorian midfielder's agent just how unhappy he was that the club had not recognised the big day.

Toure initially made light of the situation on Twitter, joking that a card from the club "must have got lost in the post", but later added that he stood by everything that Dimitri Seluk had said and promised to clarify his future after the World Cup.

Let's hope Ivory Coast coach Sabri Lamouchi had paid a little more attention to detail to keep his star man happy as the Elephants head to the World Cup in Brazil.

Wednesday, 21 May 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Van Gaal and Enrique start their rescue missions

Monday saw big changes at the top of two of Europe's biggest clubs as Manchester United appointed Louis van Gaal their new manager and Barcelona replaced Tata Martino with Luis Enrique.

Both new men have a significant amount of work to do. United endured their worst season of the Premier League era under David Moyes, who was sacked just 10 months into a six-year contract in April.

Barcelona, meanwhile, lost legendary former manager Tito Vilanova to throat cancer, unpopular president Sandro Rosell to the Neymar contract scandal and both La Liga and the Champions League to Atletico Madrid.

For United, Van Gaal is a proven winner with his own distinctive philosophy who has shown a talent for developing young players and playing expansive, attacking football.

Barcelona hope Enrique, another former La Masia graduate, can provide a return to the dominant passing style refined under Pep Guardiola and Vilanova and the unprecedented level of success which it brought about.

Only time will tell if either man has the right tools for the job, but there promises to be plenty of drama along the way.

Tuesday, 20 May 2014 12:18

Tweet Follow @omomani

FA Cup win is the most precious moment of Wenger’s career

Arsene Wenger’s men ended the drought of several years of not winning a trophy by beating Hull City in the FA Cup 2014 final 3-2 after a dramatic match.

Wenger told the press  ”This was more important than all the others,” he said “We have twice won the double, but were not under pressure then like we were today.” quoting from Goal.com.

Wenger also signed a new contract with Arsenal to continue his journey with the team and to build a new era with the club.

Tweet Follow @omomani

Drogba ponders next step after leaving Galatasaray

Didier Drogba has announced he will leave Galatasaray at the conclusion of his 18-month contract.

The Chelsea legend joined the Turkish club back in January 2013, after a short spell with Shanghai Shenhua, but has decided not to extend his stay with the side who finished second in the Super Lig table.

Drogba will now ponder the next step of his career with the 36-year-old potentially weighing up a move back to Stamford Bridge in a non-playing capacity. Where will the Ivorian end up after the World Cup?

Monday, 19 May 2014 12:30

Tweet Follow @omomani

Atletico title win a fitting tribute to Aragones

Atletico Madrid secured an incredible Spanish league title on Saturday after holding Barcelona to a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou.

It has been a remarkable season for Diego Simeone's side, who also face rivals Real Madrid in the Champions League final on May 24.

But the new league champions have also endured heartache this season, after Luis Aragones - the club's all-time top goalscorer and former head coach - died in February aged 75.

Simeone was quick to acknowledge Aragones after the game.

"Today is one of the best days in the history of Atleti," Simeone said afterwards. "To be champions in Barcelona against a team like this, the champions of all in recent years.

"I'm sure Luis Aragones was defending for us in the second half."

Sunday, 18 May 2014 12:30

                                                            Tweet Follow @omomani

Moyes flop costs Manchester United £30m

The full extent of the financial cost of David Moyes's ill-fated spell in charge of Manchester United was revealed on Thursday.

Old Trafford executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, explained the club's seventh-place finish in the Premier League - their worst since 1989-90 - would see a staggering £30 million drop in income due to the lack of European football next season.

But it's not all bad news for United fans - Woodward also suggested an announcement regarding the appointment of a new manager, expected to be Louis van Gaal - would be made soon.

And plenty of transfer activity is also expected at Old Trafford over the summer.

Friday, 16 May 2014 11:25

Tweet Follow @omomani

Bela Guttman's curse strikes Benfica AGAIN

Benfica fell to a penalty shoot-out defeat to Sevilla in the Europa League final on Wednesday night, making it eight straight defeats in European finals.

Hungarian boss Bela Guttman cursed the club after they refused to give the two-time European Cup-winning manager a new and improved contact in 1962, saying they would be destined to not win in Europe for another 100 years.

An extra-time defeat to Chelsea in 2012-13 was the most recent failure, before Jorge Jesus's side failed to find a way past a dogged Sevilla side in the Juventus Stadium.

Goalkeeper Beto then went on to make two saves in the shoot-out to hand the Andalusian side their third European trophy and ensure the drought at Benfica continues.

Thursday, 15 May 2014 13:32

Tweet Follow @omomani

Tottenham bin Sherwood - and his gilet!

Tim Sherwood's gilet was in the headlines almost as much as the controversial former midfielder during his time as Tottenham boss.

As well as being worn with a strange kind of pride by Sherwood, it was hurled to the ground during one match against Arsenal and then, on the final day of the season, handed to a fan as he sat in the White Hart Lane hot-seat.

But when Daniel Levy sacked his man on Tuesday, he made sure he'll never see the cursed gilet ever again!

Wednesday, 14 May 2014 10:45

Tweet Follow @omomani